Modern Rug Hooking

Modern Rug Hooking is a new tutorial instruction guide to hooking rugs by Rose Pearlman. Due out 3rd Dec. 2019 from Roost books, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback format.

Many crafts' popularity seems to follow a cycle of popularity. Quilting, quilling, macrame, cross stitch, all have seen waxing and waning popularity. Rug hooking is another such craft enjoying a renaissance at the moment. I've always admired hooked rugs and think that they are practical and beautiful. Originally a form of decorative necessity by thrifty Yankees, they were made from recycled worn out clothing and household textiles. These days, most of the supplies are purchased with the final project in mind, but that's not necessarily so, and the author does provide a good tutorial for repurchasing thrifted textiles for hooking rugs (along with alternative materials).

The book's introduction and technique chapters (about 40% of the total page content) cover materials selection, availability, a little history, tools, and everything else the beginner needs to successfully prepare a project and get started. The author's 'voice' in the book is very easy to follow and encouraging without being strident. She is obviously a gifted and experienced instructor and that translates well to the written tutorials. The book is full of good clear photographs which support and enhance the instructions.

There are over 20 project tutorials included with photographs, diagrams and templates. They range from the purely decorative (wall hangings), to the whimsical (a woolen crown shaped open hat), to the practical (rugs, purses, hooked bed headboard, etc).  There are no full sized templates included in the book, but they're not necessary since the projects are easily drawn freehand.

There is a resource/links list at the end of the book which is slanted toward readers in North America, but useful for readers in other locations. Materials are easily sourced with an internet search from online retailers.

Armed with some patience and this book, a keen beginner could complete a finished hooked project. This is a standalone book and would be a great foundation book for hooking-interested fibercrafters. Most of the other books rug hooking with which I'm familiar were from the 1970s (or earlier) and are sorely lacking in quality photographs or patterns. This book is a great addition to the craft.

Five stars - well written, well photographed, complete.

Disclosure: I received an early eARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.